LETTER: Rymal-Schwenger Park compromise

The article referenced above was read with interest because I participated in the collection of signatures on a petition to change the name of Schwenger Park to Rymal Park.

While not everyone answered their door when I knocked, those who did readily signed when given a brief overview of the Rymal history of the neighbourhood. One cannot help but wonder if those in charge knew the Rymal history when deciding to name the park. Much like those who today do not know the Schwenger history.

When everything is taken into consideration, perhaps a compromise solution would be to name the eastern half of the park for the Rymals. An on-site visit reveals that the park land is big enough for two names and that is where a Rymal family house still stands.

In conclusion it should be noted that Joseph Rymal, MP for South Wentworth, was instrumental in having the government of the day choose to purchase the land on the brow of the escarpment for the construction of the Asylum for the Insane (aka Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital) instead of a parcel further to the east below the escarpment.